South Dakota

South Dakota is a landlocked state in the North Central region of the United States. It is also part of the Great Plains. South Dakota is named after the Dakota Sioux tribe, which comprises a large portion of the population with nine reservations currently in the state and has historically dominated the territory. South Dakota is the 17th largest by area, but the 5th least populous, and the 5th least densely populated of the 50 United States. Pierre is the state capital, and Sioux Falls, with a population of about 213,900, is South Dakota's most populous city. The state is bisected by the Missouri River, dividing South Dakota into two geographically and socially distinct halves, known to residents as "East River" and "West River". South Dakota is bordered by North Dakota to the north, Minnesota to the east, Iowa to the southeast, Nebraska to the south, Wyoming to the west, and Montana to the northwest.
south-dakota

Some of the key events about South Dakota

  • 1803
    The Louisiana Purchase included the territory that would become South Dakota
  • 1858
    The first permanent white settlement was established at present-day Sioux Falls
  • 1862
    The largest mass execution in U.S. history occurred when 38 Dakota men were hanged in Mankato, Minnesota, following the Dakota War
  • 1874
    Gold was discovered in the Black Hills, sparking a gold rush
  • 1889
    South Dakota was admitted to the Union as the 40th state
  • 1890
    The Wounded Knee Massacre took place, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Lakota men, women, and children
  • 1927
    Work began on carving Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • 1930s
    South Dakota was severely affected by the Dust Bowl, causing widespread crop failures and economic hardship
  • 1936
    The state experienced its worst drought on record, devastating agriculture and exacerbating the effects of the Great Depression
  • 1941
    Construction of the Rapid City Army Air Base (now Ellsworth Air Force Base) began
  • 1952
    The Oahe Dam on the Missouri River was completed, creating Lake Oahe
  • 1972
    A catastrophic flood in Rapid City killed 238 people and caused extensive damage
  • 1973
    The American Indian Movement occupied Wounded Knee for 71 days, bringing national attention to Native American issues
  • 1975
    The Pine Ridge Reservation shootout resulted in the deaths of two FBI agents and one Native American activist
  • 1980
    A severe blizzard struck the state, causing 16 deaths and significant economic losses
  • 1990
    The Mickelson Trail, a 109-mile recreational trail, opened in the Black Hills
  • 1999
    A powerful tornado hit the town of Spencer, killing six people and destroying most of the town
  • 2011
    Severe flooding along the Missouri River caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure
  • 2016
    The Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead began operating, conducting groundbreaking physics experiments
  • 2019
    Severe spring blizzards and flooding caused extensive agricultural losses and property damage across the state

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

South Dakota Latest news

Small-state senator takes control of Republican Senate leadership

Small-state senator takes control of Republican Senate leadership

South Dakotaʼs long-serving senator wins top Republican position in unexpected victory. Traditional coalition-building helps defeat rivals from larger states in secret-ballot election

Politics •   •  776 views
Senate picks new leader: Inside the secret vote that surprised Trump supporters

Senate picks new leader: Inside the secret vote that surprised Trump supporters

South Dakota senator wins key leadership position despite push-back from Trump allies. The secret-ballot election shows Republican partyʼs direction for upcoming political season

Politics •   •  256 views
Senate Republicans prepare for historic leadership vote as Trump era begins

Senate Republicans prepare for historic leadership vote as Trump era begins

Republican senators gather to pick new leader in closed-door meeting today. The secret ballot comes as party aligns with Trumpʼs recent win and prepares for Senate majority shift next year

Politics • November 13 2024 , 08:27 AM  •  1925 views
Trump picks new security chief: South Dakota leader gets key cabinet role

Trump picks new security chief: South Dakota leader gets key cabinet role

Former president makes unexpected choice for homeland security post‚ picking well-known state governor. The selection comes alongside other key appointments for Trumps future administration

Society, Politics • November 12 2024 , 04:07 PM  •  683 views
US states split on abortion rights as voters make crucial decisions in 2024

US states split on abortion rights as voters make crucial decisions in 2024

Latest voting results show mixed outcomes for abortion-related measures across different US states. While some regions backed reproductive rights others kept existing restrictions showing Americas divided stance on this issue

Society, Politics • November 6 2024 , 06:32 PM  •  474 views
10 states vote on abortion laws: See which proposals won and lost in latest polls

10 states vote on abortion laws: See which proposals won and lost in latest polls

Ten US states put abortion-related changes to vote in latest elections with mixed results. From Floridaʼs narrow miss to success in Arizona‚ the voting showed different approaches across the country

Society, Politics • November 6 2024 , 01:23 PM  •  2567 views
10 states prepare for crucial abortion rights vote - what's at stake?

10 states prepare for crucial abortion rights vote - what's at stake?

After Supreme Courtʼs landmark decision about 2 years ago‚ ten states gear up for key abortion-related votes. Nine states look to boost access while Nebraska weighs two different paths

Society, Politics • November 5 2024 , 11:44 PM  •  943 views
South Dakota voters face life-changing decision about medical freedoms

South Dakota voters face life-changing decision about medical freedoms

South Dakota prepares for crucial ballot day with state-wide constitutional changes at stake. Four major proposals include medical rights‚ tax system updates and voting process reforms

Society, Politics • November 5 2024 , 01:29 PM  •  5388 views